Foldable display device and method of operating the same

ABSTRACT

A foldable display device includes a screen maintained in one of a folded state and an unfolded state, the screen, when switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, being divided into a first screen sensing a user input and a second screen displaying a first image, and a controller displaying a specific image corresponding to the user input on the second screen when the user input is sensed on the first screen in the folded state. The first screen displays a second image that is the same as the first image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0087408, filed onJul. 2, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a foldable display device and a methodof operating the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto a foldable display device with improved operational convenience for auser and a method of operating the foldable display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of information and communication technology and thediversified needs of information society, terminals, such as personalcomputers, smart phones, mobile terminals, and portable electronicdevices, are being rapidly developed and widely used. Users input datainto terminals using various types of input devices, such as a keyboard,a mouse, a trackball, a stylus pen, a touch screen, and a button. Agraphic user interface (GUI) refers to an environment that allows usersto interact with electronic devices through graphical icons displayed ona display screen. As electronic devices develop, various types ofdisplay devices that demand a user operation are adopting the GUI, andthe user's input and output are performed through the GUI.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a foldable display device with improvedoperational convenience for a user.

The present disclosure provides a method of operating the foldabledisplay device.

The present disclosure provides a foldable display device capable ofreducing an unnecessary operation of the user and improving an inputaccuracy by providing an image, which is obtained by reducing an imagedisplayed on a display screen, to a touch pad and generating a cursor onthe image displayed on the display screen to correspond to a user'stouch point on the touch pad.

The present disclosure provides a method of operating the foldabledisplay device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a foldable displaydevice includes a screen having one of a folded state and an unfoldedstate, the screen, when switched from the unfolded state to the foldedstate, being divided into a first screen sensing a user input and asecond screen displaying a first image, and a controller displaying aspecific image corresponding to the user input on the second screen whenthe user input is sensed on the first screen in the folded state. Thefirst screen displays a second image that is the same as the firstimage.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method ofoperating a foldable display device including a screen maintained in oneof a folded state and an unfolded state and including a first screensensing a user input and a second screen displaying a first image in thefolded state, includes sensing a first user input applied to a firstcoordinate of the first screen in the folded state of the screen,generating a cursor image at a second coordinate corresponding to thefirst coordinate on the second screen, and performing a clickingoperation on the second coordinate when the first user input isreleased. The first screen displays a second image that is the same asthe first image displayed on the second screen.

According to the above, an unnecessary operation of the user is reducedand an input accuracy is improved by providing an image, which isobtained by reducing an image displayed on a display screen, to a touchpad and generating the cursor on the image displayed on the displayscreen to correspond to a user's touch point on the touch pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages of the present disclosure will becomereadily apparent with reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing display devices accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing screens according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing screens according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing display devices accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing display devices accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing a display device accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a controller according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8 to 11 are flowcharts showing a method of operating a displaydevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A to 12D are cross-sectional views showing display devicesaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a display panel according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display panelcorresponding to a pixel shown in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a display module according toan embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an input sensor according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element orlayer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to”another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled tothe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent.

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the drawings, thethickness, ratio, and dimension of components are exaggerated foreffective description of the technical content. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another element. Thus, a first element discussed belowcould be termed a second element without departing from the teachings ofthe present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an”and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as shown in the figures.

It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or“including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (includingtechnical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisdisclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such asthose defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted ashaving a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context ofthe relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing display devices 1000 and1000-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows the display device 1000 in an unfolded state. FIG. 1Bshows the display device 1000-1 in a folded state. Hereinafter, thedisplay devices 1000 and 1000-1 indicate a foldable display device. Theterm “folded state” refers to the display device 1000 being partiallyfolded unless otherwise stated.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the display device 1000 may include a screen 100through which a first image IM1 is entirely displayed. The screen 100may entirely display the first image IM1, and a user input UIP may besensed through the screen 100. In the unfolded state of FIG. 1A, thescreen 100 may display the first image IM1 and sense the user input UIP.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the display device 1000-1 may be folded withrespect to a first folding axis FX1. FIG. 1B shows the display device1000-1 folded at an angle of about 90 degrees. The present invention,however, is not limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment,the display device 1000-1 may be freely folded at an angle between about0 degrees and about 180 degrees. According to an embodiment, the displaydevice 1000-1 may be folded up to an angle of about 360 degrees.

According to the present embodiment, the folded display device 1000-1may include a screen 100-1 that is divided into a first screen 110 and asecond screen 120 in the folded state. The first screen 110 and thesecond screen 120 may be divided based on the first folding axis FX1. Insome embodiments, the display device 1000-1 may be folded with respectto a second folding axis FX2. The first folding axis FX1 may extendalong a center of the display device 1000, and the second folding axisFX2 may be freely defined as needed at positions other than a positionat which the first folding axis FX1 is defined. As an example, thesecond folding axis FX2 may be defined at a position corresponding to aquarter of the display device 1000. According to an embodiment, thesecond folding axis FX2 may be defined at a position corresponding to athird of the display device 1000.

The first screen 110 may be used to sense the user input UIP. The firstscreen 110 may display a touch screen to sense the user input UIP. As anexample, a keyboard, a touch pad, and the like may be displayed as thetouch screen. According to the present embodiment, the display device1000-1 may receive the user input UIP via the first screen 110 and mayoutput the user input UIP to the second screen 120. The user input UIPmay be a user touch. The user input UIP may be an input caused by aninput device, e.g., an active pen, instead of the user touch.

The keyboard and the touch pad may be substantially simultaneouslydisplayed on the first screen 110. In some embodiments, when the displaydevice 1000 of FIG. 1 is changed to a folded state, the displayconfiguration of the display device 1000 of FIG. 1 may be changed to thedisplay configuration of FIG. 1B in which the keyboard and the touch padmay be displayed on the first screen 110, and the first image IM1 of thedisplay device 1000 of FIG. 1 may be displayed on the second screen 120.FIG. 1B shows the keyboard and the touch pad that are arranged along adirection perpendicular to the folding axes FX1. The present invention,however, is not limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment,the keyboard and the touch pad may be arranged in a direction differentfrom the above-mentioned direction. According to an embodiment, thekeyboard or the touch pad may be selectively displayed on the firstscreen 110.

According to an embodiment, the first screen 110 may include a firstarea 112 and a second area 114. The first area 112 may correspond to anarea in which the keyboard is displayed. In some embodiments, thekeyboard may be a virtual keyboard displayed on the first screen 110 asa still image. The second area 114 may be an area in which the touch padis displayed. The touch pad may correspond to a virtual touch paddisplayed on the first screen 110 as a still image or a video.

The second screen 120 may correspond to a screen on which an image isdisplayed. The second screen 120 may have a resolution higher than thefirst screen 110. In some embodiments, the image may correspond to astill image or a video. A cursor may be displayed on the image in thesecond screen 120.

According to an embodiment, a second image IM2, which is the same as thefirst image IM1 displayed on the second screen 120, may be displayed inthe second area 114 of the first screen 110. The image displayed in thetouch pad of the display device 1000-1 may be the same as the imagedisplayed in the second screen 120 of the display device 1000-1. In someembodiments, when the display device 1000 of FIG. 1 is changed to afolded state, the first image IM1 of the display device 1000 of FIG. 1may be displayed on the second screen 120 and the second area 114 of thefirst screen 110. The first image IM1 displayed on the second area 114of the first screen 110 may be referred to as the second image IM2.

The second image IM2 may correspond to an image having the same image asthe first image IM1 but having a reduced size to fit into a size of thesecond area 114. For the convenience of descriptions, a flowerpot withflowers is shown as the first image IM1 and the second image IM2,however, this is merely one example.

A controller (not shown) may be connected to the screens 100 and 100-1to display the cursor on the screen in response to the user input UIP.In more detail, the controller may receive the user input UIP throughthe first screen 110 and may output a specific image such as the cursorthrough the second screen 120.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing the screens according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing screensaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows the second screen 120. FIG. 2B shows the second area 114of the first screen 110 corresponding to the second screen of FIG. 2A.The second area 114 of the first screen 110 shown in FIG. 2B iselectrically connected to the second screen 120 of FIG. 2A.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second image IM2 that is the same as the firstimage IM1 of the second screen 120 may be displayed in the second area114 of the first screen 110.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the same coordinate area (i.e., the samecoordinate system) may be set on the first image IM1 and the secondimage IM2. Using the same coordinate area, a coordinate of a specificportion on the first image IM1 may be the same as a coordinate of thesame portion on the second image IM2.

As an example, coordinates of a first portion 10C on the second imageIM2 are (X3, Y2). The second image IM2 may be obtained by reducing thefirst image IM1. The coordinate area of the second image IM2 may be thesame as that of the first image IM1. Accordingly, coordinates of asecond portion (i.e., a second coordinate) 10-1C on the first image IM1of the second screen 120 are (X3, Y2).

According to an embodiment, when the user input UIP is sensed on thefirst portion 10C of the second image IM2 of the second area 114 in thefirst screen 110, a cursor MC may be displayed on the second portion10-1C having the same coordinates in the second screen 120. For example,the controller may receive the user input UIP on the first portion 10Cof the first screen 110 and may generate the cursor MC on the secondportion 10-1C of the second screen 120.

However, since the first screen 110 is smaller than the second screen120, it is not easy for the user to accurately touch a desired portionin the first screen 110. Accordingly, the second image IM2 displayed onthe first screen 110 may be enlarged. The user may enlarge the secondimage IM2 in the second area 114 and then may touch a desired portion.

According to an embodiment, the coordinate area may be set on the secondimage IM2, and thus, the coordinate area may be enlarged or reducedaccording to the enlargement and reduction of the image. This will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3A shows a second area 114-1 including a second image IM2-1 whichis an enlarged image of a specific portion of FIG. 2B. FIG. 3B shows asecond screen 120 corresponding to FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3A shows an enlarged area of a specific petal in FIG. 2A. Only theenlarged petal is shown in the second area 114-1 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3Bshows the second screen 120 connected to a first screen 110 of FIG. 3A.In FIG. 3B, the first image IM1 of the second screen 120 is notenlarged. For example, the second image IM2-1 of the first screen 110may be enlarged and reduced independently from the first image IM1 ofthe second screen 120.

The second image IM2-1 may be enlarged or reduced due to an enlargementor reduction input provided through the first screen 110 by the user. Insome embodiments, the enlargement or reduction input may be defined by aspecific input operation of the user. As an example, the user may reducethe second image IM2-1 by pinching-in the second image IM2-1 with twofingers. In addition, the user may enlarge the second image IM2-1 bypinching-out the second image IM2-1 with two fingers.

When the second image IM2-1 is enlarged, a coordinate area on the secondimage IM2-1 may be enlarged. According to an embodiment, coordinates ofthe area AA′ in which the enlarged petal is disposed, which issurrounded by coordinates (XO, Y1), (XO, Y2), (Xl, Y1), and (Xl, Y2),may be subdivided according to the enlargement. The accuracy of the userinput UIP may be improved according to the subdivision of thecoordinates.

When the user input UIP is sensed on specific coordinates 20C(hereinafter, referred to as a first coordinate) of the enlarged secondimage IM2-1 of FIG. 3A, the cursor MC may be generated at the samecoordinates 20-1C (hereinafter, referred to as a second coordinate) asthe specific coordinates on the second screen 120 of FIG. 3B.

As an example, when the user input UIP is sensed at the first coordinate20C on the enlarged second image IM2-1, the cursor MC may be displayedat the second coordinate 20-1C that is the same as the first coordinate20C in the second screen 120. In some embodiments, the first coordinate20C and the second coordinate 20-1C may have the same coordinate values(X02, Y13). In some embodiments, the first image IM1 of the secondscreen 120 may not be enlarged or reduced. According to the presentdisclosure, when the user wants to precisely click a specific locationwithin the image on the screen, the user may perform a precise clicksimply by enlarging or reducing the touch pad providing the same imagewithout the need to enlarge or reduce the image on the screen. Accordingto the embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may preciselyclick a specific petal.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing display devices 1000-2 and1000-1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a folded state of each of the display devices1000-2 and 1000-1 folded with respect to a first folding axis FX1. FIG.4A shows the display device 1000-2 folded at a first angle ANG1 betweenabout 90 degrees and about 180 degrees, and FIG. 4B shows the displaydevice 1000-1 folded at a second angle ANG2 of about 90 degrees. Termssuch as “about” may reflect amounts, sizes, orientations, or layoutsthat vary only in a small relative manner, and/or in a way that does notsignificantly alter the operation, functionality, or structure ofcertain elements. For example, a range from “about 0.1 to about 1” mayencompass a range such as a 0%-5% deviation around 0.1 and a 0% to 5%deviation around 1, especially if such deviation maintains the sameeffect as the listed range.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a size of a second screen 120 may be changeddepending on a folding degree (i.e., a folding angle) of the displaydevices 1000-2 and 1000-1 folded with respect to the first folding axisFX1. According to an embodiment, the size of the second screen 120 maybe greater when the display device 1000-2 is folded at the first angleANG1 than when the display device 1000-1 is folded at the second angleANG2 or less. The size of the second screen 120 may be automaticallychanged as the folded state is changed with respect to the foldingdegree of the display device. In some embodiments, the folding degreewith respect to the first folding axis FX1 may be an angle between aplane of the first screen 110 and a plane of the second screen 120.

In FIG. 4A, the second screen 120 may include the first folding axisFX1. A size of a first screen 110 may be greater when the display device1000-2 is folded at the first angle ANG1 than when the display device1000-1 is folded at the second angle ANG2.

An arrangement structure of a first area 112 and a second area 114 whenthe display device 1000-2 is folded at the first angle ANG1 may bedifferent from an arrangement structure of a first area 112 and a secondarea 114 when the display device 1000-1 is folded at the second angleANG2.

According to an embodiment, in the case of the display device 1000-1folded at the second angle ANG2, the first area 112 and the second area114 may be sequentially arranged in a direction perpendicular to thefirst folding axis FX1, and thus, one of the first and second areas 112and 114 is disposed closer to the folding axis FX1 and the other of thefirst and second areas 112 and 114 is disposed farther away from thefirst folding axis FX1. Since the size of the first screen 110 when thedisplay device 1000-2 is folded at the first angle ANG1 is smaller thanthe size of the first screen 110 when the display device 1000-2 isfolded at the second angle ANG2, the first area 112 and the second area114 may be arranged in parallel to each other along a direction in whichthe first folding axis FX1 extends as shown in FIG. 4A.

For example, the arrangement of the first area 112 and the second area114 of the first screen 110 may be changed depending on the foldingdegree of the display devices 1000-1 and 1000-2 in the folded state. Thearrangement of the first area 112 and the second area 114 may beautomatically changed as the folded degree is changed.

The second screen 120 may have a first size at the first angle ANG1 andmay have a second size different from the first size at the second angleANG2. The first size may be greater than the second size. According toan embodiment, as the display device starts being folded from theunfolded state, the size of the second screen 120 may graduallydecrease, and the size of the first screen 110 may gradually increase.As an example, as the first angle ANG1 decreases, the size of the secondscreen 120 may gradually decrease, and the size of the first screen 110may gradually increase. When the first angle ANG1 reaches the secondangle ANG2, the screen 100-1 may be divided into the first screen 110and the second screen 120 with respect to the first folding axis FX1.The arrangement of the first area 112 and the second area 114 may beautomatically changed to the arrangement of the first area 112 and thesecond area 114 as shown in FIG. 4B from the arrangement of the firstarea 112 and the second area 114 as shown in FIG. 4A when the foldingangle of the display device reaches the second angle ANG2. For example,when the folding angle of the display device may be a predeterminedangle, the first screen 110 and the second screen 120 may be dividedwith respect to the first folding axis FX1, and the first screen 110 mayhave the first area 112 and the second area 114 as shown in FIG. 4B. Thepredetermined angle may be about 90 degrees. The present invention isnot limited thereto. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle may begreater than about 90 degrees or smaller than 90 degrees.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing display device 1000-2 and1000-1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a folded state of each of the display devices1000-2 and 1000-1 folded with respect to a second folding axis FX2. FIG.5A shows the display device 1000-2 folded at a first angle ANG1 betweenabout 90 degrees and about 180 degrees, and FIG. 5B shows the displaydevice 1000-1 folded at a second angle ANG2 of about 90 degrees.

As described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a size of a secondscreen 120 may be changed depending on a folding degree of the displaydevice 1000-2 and 1000-1 folded with respect to the second folding axisFX2 in FIGS. 5A and 5B. A size of a first screen 110 may be changed asthe size of the second screen 120 is changed.

The size of the first screen 110 may be greater when the display device1000-1 is folded at the second angle ANG2 than that when the displaydevice 1000-2 is folded at the first angle ANG1. As an example, when thedisplay device 1000-2 is folded at the first angle ANG1, the firstscreen 110 may have a first length LT1 in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the second folding axis FX2. When the display device1000-1 is folded at the second angle ANG2, the first screen 110 may havea second length LT2 in the direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond folding axis FX2. In some embodiments, the first length LT1 maybe smaller than the second length LT2.

According to an embodiment, the size of the first area 112 and the sizeof the second area 114 may be changed depending on the folding angle. Asan example, since the first length LT1 defined based on the foldingangle is smaller than the second length LT2, the size of the first area112 and the size of the second area 114 of the first screen 110 of thedisplay device 1000-2 folded at the first angle ANG1 may be smaller thanthe size of the first area 112 and the size of the second area 114 ofthe display device 1000-1 folded at the second angle ANG2. Although notshown in figures, the arrangement of the first area 112 and the secondarea 114 may be changed depending on the folding angle.

According to an embodiment, the size of the first screen 110 may beautomatically changed as the folded state is changed. As an example, thesize of the first screen 110 may gradually increase as the folding angleis changed from the first angle ANG1 to the second angle ANG2. Thelengths LT1 and LT2 of the first screen 110 in the directionsubstantially perpendicular to the second folding axis FX2 may graduallyincrease as the folding angle decreases. When the display device 1000-2is folded at the first angle ANG1, the second folding axis FX2 may bedefined in the second screen 120. When the display device 1000-1 isfolded at the second angle ANG2, the second folding axis FX2 may bedefined at a boundary between the first screen 110 and the second screen120. For example, when the folding angle of the display device may be apredetermined angle, the first screen 110 and the second screen 120 maybe divided with respect to the second folding axis FX2, and the firstscreen 110 may have the first area 112 and the second area 114 as shownin FIG. 5B. The predetermined angle may be about 90 degrees. The presentinvention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the predeterminedangle may be greater than about 90 degrees or smaller than 90 degrees.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing display devices 1000-1according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an arrangement of a first area 112 and asecond area 114 in a first screen 110 of FIG. 6A may be different froman arrangement of a first area 112 and a second area 114 in a firstscreen 110 of FIG. 6B. FIGS. 6A and 6B show an arrangement structure ofthe first area 112 and the second area 114. The arrangement structure ofthe first area 112 and the second area 114 may be changed depending onthe user input UIP. As an example, the user may change the arrangementand a size of a virtual keyboard in the first area 112 and a touch padin the second area 114 as desired.

In FIG. 6A, the first area 112 may be divided into a first portion 112-1and a second portion 112-2 with the second area 114 disposed between thefirst portion 112-1 and the second portion 112-2. Each of the firstportion 112-1 and the second portion 112-2 may include a portion of thevirtual keyboard. The second area 114 may include the touch pad.

In FIG. 6B, the virtual keyboard of the first area 112 and the touch padof the second area 114 may be arranged along a direction in which thefirst folding axis FX1 extends. The display device 1000-1 shown in FIG.6B is merely one example, and the direction in which the first area 112and the second area 114 are arranged may be different from that of FIG.6B. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the display devices 1000-1 is folded withrespect to the first folding axis FX1, however, this is merely oneexample. The present embodiment may be applied to the display device1000-2 folded with respect to the second folding axis FX2 (refer to FIG.5A).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a controller 300 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the controller 300 may include an input sensingunit 310, a coordinate calculator 320, and a cursor generator 330. Thecontroller 300 may be electrically connected to the first screen 110 andthe second screen 120 to control the first screen 110 and the secondscreen 120. The controller 300 may receive the user input UIP (refer toFIG. 1A) from the first screen 110 and may generate the specific imageon the second screen 120.

The input sensing unit 310 may sense the user input UIP (refer to FIG.3A) from the first screen 110. The input sensing unit 310 may sense theuser input UIP applied to the second image IM2 of the second area 114including the touch pad of the first screen 110 and may transmit thesensed user input UIP to the coordinate calculator 320.

According to an embodiment, the input sensing unit 310 may sense aselection input, an enlargement input, a reduction input, and a draginput, which are generated by the user. The input sensing unit 310 maydistinguish the selection input from among various types of the userinputs UIP and may transmit the selection input to the coordinatecalculator 320 when the selection input is sensed. In some embodiments,the selection input may correspond to an input to specify and click thespecific coordinates. As an example, the selection input may correspondto a case where a specific portion of the second image IM2 is pressedfor about 0.5 seconds or more. When the selection input is sensed on thefirst screen 110, the cursor may be generated at the same coordinates onthe second screen 120 as the coordinates of the sensed selection input.

The enlargement input or the reduction input may correspond to the userinput to enlarge or to reduce the second image IM2 on the second area114 of the first screen 110. As an example, the enlargement input or thereduction input may correspond to an operation of double tapping aspecific portion in the second image IM2.

The drag input may correspond to an input that moves the cursor. Thedrag input may be entered followed by the selection input. The cursor MCof the second screen 120 may move to another coordinates by the draginput from the coordinates at which the cursor MC is generated.

According to an embodiment, the input sensing unit may sense a clickinput. The click input may be generated when the image displayed at aposition where the cursor is generated is clicked. The click input maybe generated after the selection input. As an example, the click inputmay correspond to an operation of releasing the touch after theselection input that touches the specific portion. For example, the usermay generate the cursor by pressing a finger (or an active pen) on thespecific portion of the second image IM2 and may click the specificportion by releasing the finger (or the active pen).

The coordinate calculator 320 may calculate the first coordinate 10(refer to FIG. 2B) with respect to the user input UIP on the firstscreen 110. The coordinate calculator 320 may calculate the secondcoordinate 10-1C corresponding to the first coordinate 10 on the secondscreen 120.

The cursor generator 330 may generate the cursor MC on the calculatedsecond coordinate 10-1C of the second screen 120. The cursor generator330 may move the generated cursor MC in response to the drag input fromthe user.

FIGS. 8 to 11 are flowcharts showing a method of operating a displaydevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Hereinafter, the operating method of the display device will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIGS. 4Aand 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A and 6B in addition to FIGS. 8 to11 .

FIG. 8 schematically shows the operating method of the display device.As described with reference to FIG. 7 , the input sensing unit 310 maysense the enlargement input and/or the selection input by the user (S710and S720). According to an embodiment, when the enlargement input issensed by the input sensing unit 310, the second image IM2-1 of thefirst screen 110 may be enlarged.

When the selection input from the user is sensed on the second imageIM2-1, the coordinate calculator 320 may calculate the coordinates ofthe portion where the selection input is sensed (S730).

The cursor generator 330 may generate the cursor on the coordinatescalculated by the coordinate calculator 320 (S740). The cursor MC may bedisplayed on the second screen 120.

When it is sensed that the selection input is released by the inputsensing unit 310 (S750), the cursor generator 330 may perform theoperation of clicking the portion where the cursor MC is displayed(S760). The cursor MC may disappear after the clicking operation isperformed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operating method of the display deviceshown in FIG. 8 in detail. FIG. 9 shows a general operation process.

Referring to FIG. 9 , when the cursor MC is generated at specificcoordinates by a first selection input from the user, the user maydetermine whether a position where the cursor is generated is asintended. For example, it may be determined whether the position wherethe cursor is generated by the user is correct (S810).

When it is determined that the cursor is generated at the correctposition according to the user's determination, the user may release thetouch input (S750). For example, the controller 300 may sense therelease of the selection input of the user and may perform the clickingoperation.

When it is determined that the cursor is generated at an incorrectposition according to the user's determination, the user will try tomove the cursor to the correct position through the drag input (S820).For example, the controller 300 may sense the drag input by the user andmay move the cursor on the second screen 120. For example, thecontroller 300 may calculate the second coordinate of a position towhich the cursor moves from the first coordinate in response to a secondselection input and may generate again the cursor at the positioncorresponding to the calculated coordinates (S830 and S840). Then, whenit is determined that the position where the cursor is generated iscorrect by the user (S810), the user may release the input, and thus,the clicking operation may be performed (S750 and S760).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operating method of the displaydevice according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the input sensing unit 310 may sense theuser input UIP applied to the second image IM2 of the first screen 110when the display device is in the folded state (S710). The second imageIM2 may be the same image as the first image IM1 displayed on the secondscreen 120.

The input sensing unit 310 may determine a type of the user input UIPapplied to the second image IM2 of the first screen 110 (S711). Theinput sensing unit 310 may determine the type of the user input UIPthrough the user's touch method.

When the selection input is applied, the input sensing unit 310 maytransmit the selection input to the coordinate calculator 320 tocalculate the coordinates, and the cursor generator 330 may generate thecursor at corresponding coordinates on the second screen 120 (S714, S730and S740).

When the enlargement or reduction input is applied, the input sensingunit 310 may enlarge or reduce the second image IM2 of the first screen110 (S712 and S713). The enlargement or reduction of the second imageIM2 of the first screen 110 is not limited to being performed by theinput sensing unit 310 and may be performed by the controller 300. Then,when the selection input is sensed on the enlarged second image IM2, theinput sensing unit 310 may sense the selection input and may transmit asignal corresponding to the selection input to the coordinate calculator320, and the cursor generator 330 may generate the cursor at the samecoordinates of the second screen.

According to the present embodiment, the operating method of the displaydevice may provide the touch pad on the first screen displaying the sameimage as the second screen on which the cursor is generated. Since theimage on the touch pad is enlarged independently and the user clicks thespecific coordinates on the enlarged image, the click accuracy may beimproved.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a variation in size of the screenaccording to the folding degree.

Referring to FIG. 11 , when the display device 1000 (refer to FIG. 1A)is folded with respect to the folding axis FX1 or FX2 (refer to FIG.1A), the display device 1000 may sense the folded state (S110). As anexample, the controller 300 (refer to FIG. 7 ) may sense the foldedstate of the display device 1000.

According to an embodiment, the display device 1000 may change the sizeof the first screen 110 (refer to FIG. 4A) and the size of the secondscreen 120 (refer to FIG. 4A), which are obtained by dividing thescreen, according to the folding degree in the folded state (S120). Asan example, the controller 300 (refer to FIG. 7 ) may control the sizeof the first screen 110 and the size of the second screen 120 based onthe folding degree. When the size of the first screen 110 decreases, thesize of the second screen 120 may increase, and when the size of thefirst screen 110 increases, the size of the second screen 120 maydecrease.

Then, the display device 1000 may change the arrangement and the size ofthe first area 112 (refer to FIG. 4A) and the second area 114 (refer toFIG. 4A), which are defined in the first screen 110, according to thevariation in size of the first screen 110 (S130). When the size of thefirst screen 110 decreases, the size of the first area 112 and the sizeof the second area 114 may decrease.

FIGS. 12A to 12D are cross-sectional views showing display devices 1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 12A to 12Dshow cross-sections defined by a second directional axis DR2 and a thirddirectional axis DR3. In FIGS. 12A to 12D, components of the displaydevice 1000 are schematically shown to explain a stacking relationshipof a functional panel and/or functional units that form the displaydevice 1000.

The display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include a display panel, an input sensor, ananti-reflective unit, and a window. At least some components of thedisplay panel, the input sensor, the anti-reflective unit, and thewindow may be formed through successive processes or may be attached toeach other by an adhesive member. FIGS. 12A to 12D show a pressuresensitive adhesive (PSA) film as a representative example of theadhesive member. The adhesive member described hereinafter may include aconventional adhesive. The present invention is not limited thereto.According to an embodiment, the anti-reflective unit may be replacedwith another component or may be omitted.

In FIGS. 12A to 12D, among the input sensor, the anti-reflective unit,and the window, a component that is formed through the successiveprocesses with another component is referred to as a “layer”. Among theinput sensor, the anti-reflective unit, and the window, a component thatis coupled to another component by the adhesive member is referred to asa “panel”. The panel includes a base layer providing a base surface,e.g., a synthetic resin film, a composite material film, or a glasssubstrate, however, the base layer may be omitted from the componentthat is referred to as the “layer”. In other words, the component thatis referred to as the “layer” is disposed on the base surface providedby another component.

The input sensor, the anti-reflective unit, and the window may bereferred to as an input sensing panel ISP, an anti-reflective panel RPP,and a window panel WP, respectively, or an input sensing layer ISL, ananti-reflective layer RPL, and a window layer WL, respectively,depending on a presence or absence of the base layer.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the display device 1000 may include the displaypanel DP, the input sensing layer ISL, the anti-reflective panel RPP,the window panel WP, and a protective member PF. The input sensing layerISL is disposed directly on the display panel DP. In the presentdisclosure, the expression a component “B 1” is disposed directly on acomponent “A1” means that no intervening elements, such as an adhesivelayer/adhesive member, are present between the component “B 1” and thecomponent “A1”. The component “B 1” is formed on a base surface providedby the component “A1” through successive processes after the component“A1” is formed.

The display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISL disposed directlyon the display panel DP may be defined as a display module DM. Thepressure sensitive adhesive film PSA may be disposed between theanti-reflective panel RPP and the window panel WP, between the displaymodule DM and the anti-reflective panel RPP, and between the protectivemember PF and the display module DM.

The display panel DP may display a still image or a video on a displaysurface. The display panel DP may generate the image, and the inputsensing layer ISL may obtain coordinate information of an external input(e.g., touch event). The protective member PF may support the displaypanel DP and may protect the display panel DP from external impacts.

The protective member PF may include a plastic film as its base layer.The protective member PF may include a thermoplastic resin, forinstance, the plastic film including one selected from the groupconsisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE),polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS),polyacrylonitrile (PAN), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN),acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) has excellent heat resistance, fatigue strength, andelectrical properties and is less affected by temperature and humidity.

The material for the protective member PF is not limited to plasticresins. In some embodiments, organic-inorganic composite material may beused for the protective member PF. The protective member PF may includea porous organic layer and an inorganic material filled in pores of theorganic layer.

The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be a light emitting type display panel. The presentinvention, however, is not limited thereto. For instance, the displaypanel DP may be an organic light emitting display panel or a quantum dotlight emitting display panel. A light emitting layer of the organiclight emitting display panel may include or may be formed of an organiclight emitting material. A light emitting layer of the quantum dot lightemitting display panel may include a quantum dot and/or a quantum rod.Hereinafter, the organic light emitting display panel will be describedas a representative example of the display panel DP.

The anti-reflective panel RPP may reduce a reflectance of a naturallight (sunlight) incident thereto from above the window panel WP. Theanti-reflective panel RPP may include or may be a retarder and apolarizer. The retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coatingtype and may include or may be a λ/2 retarder and/or a λ/4 retarder. Thepolarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. Thefilm type may include a stretching type synthetic resin film, and theliquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in apredetermined arrangement. The retarder and the polarizer may furtherinclude a protective film. The retarder and the polarizer, or theprotective film may be defined as a base layer of the anti-reflectivepanel RPP.

According to an embodiment, the anti-reflective panel RPP may includecolor filters. The color filters may have a predetermined arrangement.The arrangement of the color filters may be determined by taking intoaccount emission colors of pixels included in the display panel DP. Theanti-reflective panel RPP may further include a black matrix disposedadjacent to the color filters.

According to an embodiment, the window panel WP may include a base layerWP-BS and a light blocking pattern WP-BZ. The base layer WP-BS mayinclude or may be formed of a glass substrate and/or a synthetic resinfilm. The base layer WP-BS is not be limited to a single-layerstructure. In some embodiments, the base layer WP-BS may include two ormore films coupled to each other by the adhesive member.

The light blocking pattern WP-BZ may partially overlap the base layerWP-BS. The light blocking pattern WP-BZ may be disposed on a rearsurface of the base layer WP-BS to define a bezel area of the displaydevice 1000.

The light blocking pattern WP-BZ may be a colored organic layer and maybe formed through a coating process. Although not shown separately, thewindow panel WP may further include a functional coating layer disposedover an entire surface of the base layer WP-BS. The functional coatinglayer may include an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflective layer,and a hard coating layer.

In FIGS. 12B to 12D, the window panel WP and the window layer WL arebriefly shown without distinguishing the base layer WP-BS from the lightblocking pattern WP-BZ.

As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the display device 1000 may include theprotective member PF, the display panel DP, the anti-reflective panelRPP, the input sensing panel ISP, and the window panel WP. The stackingorder of the input sensing panel ISP and the anti-reflective panel RPPmay be changed.

As shown in FIG. 12D, the display device 1000 may include the protectivemember PF, the display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISL, theanti-reflective layer RPL, and the window layer WL. Adhesive members maybe omitted from the display device 1000, and the input sensing layerISL, the anti-reflective layer RPL, and the window layer WL may beformed on a base surface of the display panel DP through successiveprocesses. The stacking order of the input sensing layer ISL and theanti-reflective layer RPL may be changed.

In some embodiments, the anti-reflective layer RPL may include a liquidcrystal coating type retarder and a liquid crystal coating typepolarizer. The retarder and the polarizer may include a discotic liquidcrystal layer having a tilt angle in one direction.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel DP accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a plan viewshowing the display panel DP according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of thedisplay panel DP corresponding to a pixel shown in FIG. 14 . Details onthe display panel DP described hereinafter may be applied to the displaydevice 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12D. FIG. 14 showsthe protective member PF disposed on a rear surface of the display panelDP.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the display panel DP may include a base layer BL,a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OLDE, and anupper insulating layer TFL, which are disposed on the base layer BL.

The base layer BL may include or may be formed of a synthetic resinfilm. A synthetic resin layer may be formed on a work substrate used tomanufacture the display panel DP. Then, a conductive layer and aninsulating layer may be formed on the synthetic re sin layer. When thework substrate is removed, the synthetic resin layer may correspond tothe base layer BL. The synthetic resin layer may include or may beformed of a thermosetting resin. For example, the synthetic resin layermay be a polyimide-based resin. The present invention, however, is notlimited thereto. According to an embodiment, the base layer BL mayinclude or may be formed of a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or anorganic/inorganic composite material substrate.

The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one insulatinglayer and a circuit element. Hereinafter, the insulating layer includedin the circuit element layer DP-CL may be referred to as an intermediateinsulating layer. The intermediate insulating layer may include at leastone intermediate inorganic layer and/or at least one intermediateorganic layer. The circuit element may include a signal line, a pixeldriving circuit, or the like. The circuit element layer DP-CL may beformed by a coating or depositing process to form an insulating layer, asemiconductor layer, and a conductive layer and a photolithographyprocess to pattern the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, andthe conductive layer.

The display element layer DP-OLED may include or may be formed of alight emitting element. The display element layer DP-OLED may includeorganic light emitting diodes. The display element layer DP-OLED mayinclude or may be formed of an organic layer such as a pixel definitionlayer.

The upper insulating layer TFL may encapsulate at least the displayelement layer DP-OLED. The upper insulating layer TFL may include a thinfilm encapsulation layer TFL. The upper insulating layer TFL may furtherinclude another functional thin layer. The thin film encapsulation layermay include at least one inorganic layer (hereinafter, referred to as anencapsulation inorganic layer). According to an embodiment, the thinfilm encapsulation layer may include at least one organic layer(hereinafter, referred to as an encapsulation organic layer) and atleast one encapsulation inorganic layer.

The encapsulation inorganic layer may protect the display element layerDP-OLED from moisture and oxygen, and the encapsulation organic layermay protect the display element layer DP-OLED from a foreign substancesuch as dust particles. The encapsulation inorganic layer may include ormay be formed of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, asilicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.The present invention, however, is not limited thereto. In someembodiments, the encapsulation organic layer may include or may beformed of an acrylic-based organic layer. The present invention,however, is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the upper insulating layer TFL may beomitted. The upper insulating layer TFL may be replaced with anencapsulation substrate such as a glass substrate. The encapsulationsubstrate may be coupled with the display panel DP by a sealant. Thesealant disposed in a non-display area DP-NDA (refer to FIG. 14 ) maydirectly attach the glass substrate to the circuit element layer DP-CL.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the display panel DP may include a drivingcircuit GDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of signal padsDP-PD, and a plurality of pixels PX.

The driving circuit GDC may include a scan driving circuit. The scandriving circuit may generate a plurality of scan signals and maysequentially output the scan signals to a plurality of scan lines GLdescribed later. The scan driving circuit may further output othercontrol signals to the pixel driving circuit of the pixels PX.

The scan driving circuit may include a plurality of transistors formedthrough the same processes, e.g., a low temperature polycrystallinesilicon (LTPS) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO)process, as the pixel driving circuit of the pixels PX.

The signal lines SGL may include the scan lines GL, data lines DL, apower line PL, and a control signal line CSL. Each of the scan lines GLmay be connected to a corresponding pixel among the pixels PX, and eachof the data lines DL may be connected to a corresponding pixel among thepixels PX. The power line PL may be connected to the pixels PX. Thecontrol signal line CSL may provide control signals to the scan drivingcircuit.

A display area DP-DA may be defined as an area in which the pixels PXare arranged. Electronic elements may be disposed in the display areaDP-DA. The electronic elements may include the organic light emittingdiode and the pixel driving circuit connected to the organic lightemitting diode, which are included in each pixel PX. The driving circuitGDC, the signal lines SGL, the signal pads DP-PD, and the pixel drivingcircuit may be included in the circuit element layer DP-CL shown in FIG.13 .

The pixel PX may include, for example, a first transistor T1, a secondtransistor T2, a capacitor CP, and an organic light emitting diode OLED.The pixel driving circuit is not limited to that shown in FIG. 14 aslong as the pixel driving circuit may include a switching transistor anda driving transistor. The first transistor T1 may be connected to thescan line GL and the data line DL. The organic light emitting diode OLEDmay receive a power voltage provided thereto via the power line PL.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the display panel DP may include a plurality ofinsulating layers, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and asignal line. An insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and aconductive layer may be formed by a coating or depositing process. Then,the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layermay be selectively patterned by a photolithography process. In this way,the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal lineincluded in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display elementlayer DP-OLED may be formed.

At least one inorganic layer may be formed on an upper surface of thebase layer BL. The inorganic layer may include or may be formed of atleast one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, siliconoxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer maybe formed in multiple layers. The inorganic layers may form a barrierlayer and/or a buffer layer. In the present embodiment, the displaypanel DP may include a buffer layer BFL.

The buffer layer BFL may increase a coupling force between the baselayer BL and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may includeor may be formed of a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.In some embodiments, the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitridelayer may be alternately stacked on each other.

The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. Thesemiconductor pattern may include or may be formed of polysilicon. Thepresent invention, however, is not limited thereto or thereby. In someembodiments, the semiconductor pattern may include or may be formed ofamorphous silicon or metal oxide.

FIG. 15 shows only a portion of the semiconductor pattern, and thesemiconductor pattern may be further disposed in other areas of thepixel PX. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged with a specific ruleover the pixels PX. The semiconductor pattern may have differentelectrical properties depending on whether it is doped or not or whetherit is doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The semiconductorpattern may include a doped region and a non-doped region. The dopedregion may be doped with the N-type dopant or the P-type dopant. AP-type transistor may include or may be a doped region doped with theP-type dopant.

The doped region may have a conductivity greater than that of thenon-doped region and may substantially serve as an electrode or signalline. The non-doped region may substantially correspond to an active (ora channel) of a transistor. In other words, a portion of thesemiconductor pattern may be the active of the transistor, anotherportion of the semiconductor pattern may be a source or a drain of thetransistor, and the other portion of the semiconductor pattern may be aconnection electrode or a connection signal line.

As shown in FIG. 15 , a source S1, an active A1, and a drain D1 of thefirst transistor T1 may be formed from the semiconductor pattern, and asource S2, an active A2, and a drain D2 of the second transistor T2 maybe formed from the semiconductor pattern. The sources S1 and S2 and thedrains D1 and D2 may extend in opposite directions to each other fromthe actives A1 and A2. FIG. 15 shows a portion of the connection signalline SCL formed from the semiconductor pattern. Although not shown infigures, the connection signal line SCL may be connected to the drain D2of the second transistor T2 in a plane.

A first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. Thefirst insulating layer 10 may commonly overlap the pixels PX (refer toFIG. 14 ) and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulatinglayer 10 may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer and may havea single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10may include or may be formed of at least one of aluminum oxide, titaniumoxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafniumoxide. In the present embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may havea single-layer structure of a silicon oxide layer. Not only the firstinsulating layer 10, but also an insulating layer of the circuit elementlayer DP-CL described later may be an inorganic layer and/or an organiclayer and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. Theinorganic layer may include or may be formed of at least one of theabove-mentioned materials.

Gates G1 and G2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10. Thegate G1 may correspond to a portion of metal pattern. The gates G1 andG2 may overlap the actives A1 and A2, respectively. The gates G1 and G2may be used as a mask in a process of doping the semiconductor pattern.

A second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulatinglayer 10 and may cover the gates G1 and G2. The second insulating layer20 may commonly overlap the pixels PX (refer to FIG. 14 ). The secondinsulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layerand may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In the presentembodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a single-layerstructure of silicon oxide.

An upper electrode UE may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20.The upper electrode UE may overlap the gate G2 of the second transistorT2. The upper electrode UE may be a portion of metal pattern. A portionof the gate G2 and the upper electrode UE overlapping the portion of thegate G2 may define the capacitor CP (refer to FIG. 14 ). According to anembodiment, the upper electrode UE may be omitted.

A third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulatinglayer 20 and may cover the upper electrode UE. In the presentembodiment, the third insulating layer 30 may have a single-layerstructure of a silicon oxide layer. A first connection electrode CNE1may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first connectionelectrode CNE1 may be connected to the connection signal line SCL via acontact hole CNT-1 defined through the first, second, and thirdinsulating layers 10, 20, and 30.

A fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulatinglayer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may have a single-layerstructure of a silicon oxide layer. A fifth insulating layer 50 may bedisposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer50 may be an organic layer. A second connection electrode CNE2 may bedisposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connectionelectrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1via a contact hole CNT-2 defined through the fourth insulating layer 40and the fifth insulating layer 50.

A sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulatinglayer 50 and may cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixthinsulating layer 60 may be an organic layer. A first electrode AE (or ananode) may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The firstelectrode AE may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2via a contact hole CNT-3 defined through the sixth insulating layer 60.An opening OP may be defined through the pixel definition layer PDL. Atleast a portion of the first electrode AE may be exposed through theopening OP of the pixel definition layer PDL.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the display area DP-DA may include a lightemitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA defined adjacent tothe light emitting area PXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA maysurround the light emitting area PXA. In the present embodiment, thelight emitting area PXA may be defined to correspond to the portion ofthe first electrode AE exposed through the opening OP.

A hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed in the light emittingarea PXA and the non-light-emitting area NPXA. The hole control layerHCL may include a hole transport layer and may further include a holeinjection layer. A light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the holecontrol layer HCL. The light emitting layer EML may be disposed in anarea corresponding to the opening OP. That is, the light emitting layerEML may be formed in each of the pixels PX after being divided intoportions.

An electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the light emittinglayer EML. The electron control layer ECL may include an electrontransport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. Thehole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL may becommonly formed in the plural pixels using an open mask. A secondelectrode CE (or a cathode) may be disposed on the electron controllayer ECL. The second electrode CE may have an integral shape and may becommonly disposed in the pixels PX (refer to FIG. 14 ). As shown in FIG.15 , the upper insulating layer TFL may be disposed on the secondelectrode CE. The hole control layer HCL, the electron control layerECL, and the light emitting layer EML may define the organic lightemitting diode OLED.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the display module DMaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows the input sensor of the “layer” type, i.e., the inputsensing layer, among the input sensors described with reference to FIGS.12A to 12D. The input sensor may have a multi-layer structure regardlessof whether the input sensor is the “panel” type or the “layer” type. Theinput sensor may include a sensing electrode, a signal line connected tothe sensing electrode, and at least one insulating layer. The inputsensor may sense an external input using a capacitance method.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the input sensing layer ISL may include a firstinsulating layer IS-IL1 (or a first sensor insulating layer), a firstconductive layer IS-CL1, a second insulating layer IS-IL2 (or a secondsensor insulating layer), a second conductive layer IS-CL2, and a thirdinsulating layer IS-IL3 (or a third sensor insulating layer). The firstinsulating layer IS-IL1 may be disposed directly on the upper insulatinglayer TFL. According to an embodiment, the first insulating layer IS-IL1and/or the third insulating layer IS-IL3 may be omitted.

Each of the first conductive layer IS-CL1 and the second conductivelayer IS-CL2 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layerstructure of layers stacked in the third directional axis DR3. Theconductive layer having the multi-layer structure may include two ormore layers of a transparent conductive layer and a metal layer. Theconductive layer having the multi-layer structure may include metallayers containing different metals from each other. The transparentconductive layer may include or may be formed of at least one of indiumtin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tinzinc oxide (ITZO), PEDOT, metal nanowire, and graphene. The metal layermay include or may be formed of molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper,aluminum, and alloys thereof. Each of the first and second conductivelayers IS-CL1 and IS-CL2 may have a three-layer structure oftitanium/aluminum/titanium. Metals with a relatively high durability anda low reflectance may be applied as an outer layer of the conductivelayer, and metals with a high electrical conductivity may be applied asan inner layer of the conductive layer.

Each of the first conductive layer IS-CL1 and the second conductivelayer IS-CL2 may include a plurality of conductive patterns.Hereinafter, the first conductive layer IS-CL1 including firstconductive patterns and the second conductive layer IS-CL2 includingsecond conductive patterns will be described. Each of the firstconductive patterns and the second conductive patterns may includesensing electrodes and signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes.

Each of the first, second, and third insulating layers IS-IL1, IS-IL2,and IS-IL3 may include an inorganic layer or an organic layer. Accordingto an embodiment, each of the first and second insulating layers IS-IL1and IS-IL2 may include or may be formed of the inorganic layer. Theinorganic layer may include or may be formed of at least one of aluminumoxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconiumoxide, and hafnium oxide. The third insulating layer IS-IL3 may includeor may be formed of the organic layer. The organic layer may include ormay be formed of at least one of an acrylic-based resin, amethacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-basedresin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-basedresin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, apolyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

In the present embodiment, the second insulating layer IS-IL2 may covera sensing area IS-DA described later. That is, the second insulatinglayer IS-IL2 may entirely overlap the sensing area IS-DA. Although notshown in figures, the second insulating layer IS-IL2 may include aplurality of insulating patterns according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the input sensor ISP according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Sensing electrodes IE1 and IE2included in the input sensor ISP may be designed to have various shapes,and the shape of the sensing electrodes IE1 and IE2 shown in FIG. 17 ismerely one example. The sensing electrodes IE1 and IE2 may include afirst sensing electrode IE1 and a second sensing electrode IE2.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the input sensor ISP may include the firstsensing electrode IE1, the second sensing electrode IE2, and signal linegroups connected to the first and second sensing electrodes IE1 and IE2.FIG. 17 shows a structure in which the input sensor ISP includes twosignal line groups SG1 and SG2 as a representative example.

The input sensor ISP may include the sensing area IS-DA and a line areaIS-NDA respectively corresponding to the display area DP-DA and thenon-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP. The first sensingelectrode IE1 and the second sensing electrode IE2 may be disposed inthe sensing area IS-DA, and a first signal line group SG1 and a secondsignal line group SG2 may be disposed in the line area IS-NDA.

According to the present embodiment, the input sensor ISP may be acapacitance type touch sensor. The input sensor ISP may obtaininformation about the external input based on a variation in mutualcapacitance between the first sensing electrode IE1 and the secondsensing electrode IE2.

One of the first sensing electrode IE1 and the second sensing electrodeIE2 may receive a driving signal, and the other of the first sensingelectrode IE1 and the second sensing electrode IE2 may output thevariation in capacitance between the first sensing electrode IE1 and thesecond sensing electrode IE2 as a sensing signal. The input sensor ISPmay divide a driving section into a first driving section and a seconddriving section, may be driven as the above-described driving manner inthe first driving section, and may be driven in the opposite manner tothe above-described driving manner in the second driving section.

The first sensing electrode IE1 may include a plurality of first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12. FIG. 17 shows twelve first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12 as a representative example. Each of thefirst sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12 may have a shape extending inthe second direction DR2. The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

The second sensing electrode IE2 may include a plurality of secondsensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8. FIG. 17 shows eight second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8. The second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8may have a shape extending in the first direction DR1. The secondsensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8 may be arranged in the seconddirection DR2.

The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12 and the second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8 may have a length and a size, which arechanged depending on an arrangement of the sensing electrodes and a sizeof the sensing area IS-DA.

The first signal line group SG1 may include the same number of firstsignal lines as the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12. The firstsignal lines may be connected to one ends of the first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12. The present invention, however, is notlimited thereto or thereby. In some embodiments, both ends (e.g.,opposite ends) of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12 may beconnected to the signal lines.

The second signal line group SG2 may include the same number of secondsignal lines as the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8. The secondsignal lines may be connected to one ends of the second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8. FIG. 17 shows the signal lines of the secondsignal line group SG2, which are respectively connected to lower ends ofthe second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8.

The first signal line group SG1 may be divided into two groups. Onegroup may be referred to as a first signal line group SG1-1 disposed atone side of the input sensor ISP, and the other group may be referred toas a first signal line group SG1-2 disposed at the other side of theinput sensor ISP.

The first signal line group SG1-1 disposed at the one side may beconnected to one sides of some of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 toIE1-12, and the first signal line group SG1-2 disposed at the other sidemay be connected to the other sides of the other of the first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12. The first signal line group SG1-1 disposedat the one side may be spaced apart from the first signal line groupSG1-2 disposed at the other side with the sensing area IS-DA interposedtherebetween in the second direction DR2. As the first signal lines aredisposed at both sides after being into the two groups, a width of theline area IS-NDA may be reduced.

The first signal line group SG1-1 disposed at the one side may beelectrically connected to odd-numbered sensing electrodes oreven-numbered sensing electrodes among first sensing electrodes IE1-1 toIE1-12. The first signal line group SG1-2 disposed at the other side maybe connected to the sensing electrodes to which the first signal linegroup SG1-1 disposed at the one side is not connected. FIG. 17 shows astructure in which the first signal line group SG1-1 disposed at the oneside is connected to right ends of the even-numbered first sensingelectrodes.

Each of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-12 may include aplurality of first electrodes ED1 and a plurality of first connectionportions CP1. The first electrodes ED1 may be arranged in the seconddirection DR2. Each of the first connection portions CP1 may connect twofirst electrodes ED1 adjacent to each other among the first electrodesED1.

Each of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-8 may include aplurality of second electrodes ED2 and a plurality of second connectionportions CP2. The second electrodes ED2 may be arranged in the firstdirection DR1. Each of the second connection portions CP2 may connecttwo second electrodes ED2 adjacent to each other among the secondelectrodes ED2.

Each of the first and second connection portions CP1 and CP2 may crosseach other in a plane. The present invention, however, is not limitedthereto or thereby. Each of the first connection portions CP1 may have acurved line shape, e.g., an L-shape rotated in clockwise direction byabout 90° or an L-shape rotated in counterclockwise direction by about90°, not to overlap the second connection portions CP2. The firstconnection portions CP1 having the curved line shape may overlap thesecond electrodes ED2 when viewed in a plane.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described,it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to theseembodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by oneordinary skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure as hereinafter claimed. Therefore, the disclosed subjectmatter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein,and the scope of the present inventive concept shall be determinedaccording to the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable display device comprising: a screenhaving one of a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein the screen,when being switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, isdivided into a first screen configured to sense a user input and asecond screen configured to display a first image; and a controllerconfigured to display a specific image corresponding to the user inputon the second screen when the user input is sensed on the first screenin the folded state, wherein the first screen displays a second imagethat is the same as the first image.
 2. The foldable display device ofclaim 1, wherein the screen senses the user input in the unfolded stateand displays the first image in the unfolded state.
 3. The foldabledisplay device of claim 1, wherein the user input is a touch generatedby a user or an input generated by an input device, and wherein theinput device comprises an active pen.
 4. The foldable display device ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to set a coordinate systemon the second image, and wherein the coordinate system of the secondimage is the same as a coordinate system set on the first image.
 5. Thefoldable display device of claim 1, wherein, when the user input isapplied to a first coordinate of the second image on the first screen,the controller displays a cursor at a second coordinate of the firstimage on the second screen, and wherein the second coordinatecorresponds to the first coordinate.
 6. The foldable display device ofclaim 5, wherein the controller moves the cursor displayed at the secondcoordinate in response to a variation in coordinates of the user inputapplied to the first coordinate.
 7. The foldable display device of claim1, wherein the first screen comprises a first area in which a keyboardis displayed and a second area in which the second image is displayed.8. The foldable display device of claim 7, wherein the second image isobtained by reducing the first image to fit into a size of the secondarea.
 9. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the secondimage is enlarged independently from the first image.
 10. The foldabledisplay device of claim 9, wherein, when the user input is applied to afirst coordinate of the enlarged second image, the controller generatesa cursor at a second coordinate corresponding to the first coordinate onthe second screen.
 11. The foldable display device of claim 7, whereinthe second screen has a size that is changed depending on a foldingdegree in the folded state.
 12. The foldable display device of claim 11,wherein an arrangement structure of the first area and the second areais changed according to the changed size of the second screen.
 13. Thefoldable display device of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises: aninput sensing unit configured to receive the user input through thefirst screen; a coordinate calculator configured to calculate a firstcoordinate of the received user input; and a cursor generator configuredto generate a cursor at a second coordinate on the second screen, andwherein the second coordinate corresponds to the calculated firstcoordinate.
 14. A method of operating a foldable display devicecomprising a screen maintained in one of a folded state and an unfoldedstate and comprising a first screen sensing a user input and a secondscreen displaying a first image in the folded state, comprising: sensinga first user input applied to a first coordinate of the first screen inthe folded state of the screen; generating a cursor image at a secondcoordinate on the second screen in the folded state of the screen, thesecond coordinate on the second screen corresponding to the firstcoordinate on the first screen; and performing a clicking operation onthe second coordinate when the first user input is released, wherein thefirst screen, in response to the clicking operation, displays a secondimage on the second coordinate of the second screen, the second imagebeing the same as the first image.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: moving the cursor image generated at the second coordinateto other coordinates in response to the first user input.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the first coordinate is substantially the same asthe second coordinate.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the firstscreen comprises: a first area in which a keyboard is displayed; and asecond area in which the second image is displayed, and wherein anarrangement structure of the first area and the second area in a planeis changed according to the first user input or a size of the firstscreen.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: enlarging orreducing the second image independently from the first image in responseto the first user input.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sensingof the first user input comprises sensing the first user input appliedto the first coordinate on the enlarged second image.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the first user input comprises a touch generated by auser or an input generated by an input device, and wherein the inputdevice comprises an active pen.